Holiday Stress Anyone?
Congregational Wellness Blog
by Rev. Alan Shaw
I don’t think there is anyone out there (maybe I’m wrong) that would tell me the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year is a stress-free zone. Families gather, festive meal planning and preparing, shopping for the “perfect” (and affordable) gift, tr avel (and the stress-free highways and airports this time of year). It’s a glorious time of year to just sit back and relax while you focus on your wellness, am I right? (If I am, please call me…I could use your advice for how to survive to see January).
“But, Alan…this is a congregational wellness blog. Why are you talking about personal or family wellness”. I’m not. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are family. As a church family, I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to say that congregational stress goes up this time of year as well. Choirs add a lot of music (“thank you choirs…I love it”), pastor tack on mid-week advent services that they expect us to gather up the family and head to church a 2nd day of the week (“thank you families that support us” and “thank you pastor taking the time to plan a separate homily and service”), lay leaders are looking for more volunteers for the advent services and helping out with Christmas Eve (“thank you lay leaders and volunteers…we couldn’t do this without you”).
As we go through this season, let’s do it together, as a congregational family. Use those church gatherings for prayer and fellowship and encouragement. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Use your Stephen Ministry or other support systems to share holiday stress or burdens. They are also a great resource for those suffering a loss and grieving this time of year. Your church family should be a safe place for honest and confidential conversations. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). And amid the hustle and bustle, it is a time we are to encourage one another to slow down, savor the meaning of Advent, and reflect on the blessings God continues to bestow on His children. Pick up an Advent devotional or just take time to turn off devices and reflect in quiet prayer. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
May God’s peace be upon both you and your family, and upon you and your congregational family this Advent season. (Now, time to look at my calendar. I may have to schedule in some of my own advice to ensure I do the same).